NGV International

Time Out says

See blockbuster exhibitions alongside an impressive permanent collection at the National Gallery of Victoria

This grand modernist building on St Kilda Road is Australia's oldest and most popular art museum. That title has been won thanks to the gallery's top-notch and diverse permanent collection, their fantastic visiting collections and an ongoing series of additional events aimed at locals and tourists alike.

The permanent collection includes a Rembrandt, a Bonnard and a Tiepolo – not bad for a gallery that's only been around since the mid 1800s. All visitors to the NGV must pass the water wall upon entry, and yes, it is hard to resist touching it. The ground floor is where you'll usually find the gallery's major exhibitions and it's also where you'll find the magnificent, boiled lolly-like stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall.

Upstairs you've got the permanent collections, as well as the smaller visiting exhibitions. Be warned the large, colonial era rooms are easy to lose people in, so keep a close eye on any children looking to make a jailbreak. You cannot visit the NGV without spending a hefty chunk of time in the 19th Century Gallery (or Salon Gallery). It gets its nickname from the style the paintings are hung in and houses one of the most emotive paintings in the gallery: 'Anguish' by August Friedrich Schenck.

You could easily spend a whole day in the bulding so be sure to make regular pit stops; if you're feeling fancy the Tea Room offers high tea as well as cakes and light meals while downstairs you can fill your belly with the seasonal menu items at Garden Restaurant.

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Art

A Fairy Tale in Red Times: Works from the White Rabbit Collection

White Rabbit, a privately owned four-storey temple to 21st century Chinese art, is a big deal in Sydney. It shows Judith Neilson’s epic and eclectic collection to hordes of Sydneysiders every week, ranging from small-scale works to massive installations....

Until Sunday October 6 2019
Free

Art

Cai Guo-Qiang: The Transient Landscape

The NGV is rewarding early risers over the winter school holidays, opening its Cai Guo-Qiang and Terracotta Warriors double-header from 8am to 5pm from June 29 to July 14.
Cai Guo-Qiang is best known for unique, large-scale artworks that draw on his...

Until Sunday October 13 2019

Art

Liquid Light: 500 Years of Venetian Glass

Venetian glass is known across the world for its vibrant colour, elaborate designs and exquisite craftsmanship, honed over centuries by traditional glassblowers on the Venetian island of Murano. In Liquid Light, the National Gallery of Victoria brings...

Until Monday April 13 2020
Free

Art

Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality

The NGV is rewarding early risers over the winter school holidays, opening its Terracotta Warriors and Cai Guo-Qiang double-header from 8am to 5pm from June 29 to July 14.
The National Gallery of Victoria's latest winter blockbuster was a look back...

Until Sunday October 13 2019

Art

Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness

Even if you don't know his name, you're almost certainly familiar with Brian Donnelly's (aka Kaws) larger-than-life sculptures and paintings. Kaws take icons from cartoons and pop culture and reimagines them in vulnerable and unexpected situations. His...

Friday September 20 2019 - Sunday March 1 2020

Kids

Kaws: Playtime

New York artist Kaws (aka Brian Donnelly) is bringing his larger-than-life sculptures and paintings to the NGV this summer for Kaws: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness. Alongside this mega exhibition will be something for the littlest art fans.
Kaws:...

Exhibitions
Friday September 20 2019 - Monday April 13 2020
Free

Things to do

NGV Friday Nights

The NGV's Friday Nights series is back for another round, and this time they’re pairing a string of gigs alongside the new Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality exhibition.
Few things go hand-in-hand like music and art, and NGV Friday Nights’...

Friday September 20 2019 - Saturday October 12 2019

Art

Keith Haring | Jean-Michel Basquiat: Crossing Lines

After the success of a joint exhibition of work by Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei in 2016, the NGV is bringing together another pair of art legends for its 2019/20 summer blockbuster. Who doesn't love a two-for-one deal?
Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat's...